《三寶萬靈法懺》Vol. 24

Interpretation

The Ten Thousand Spirits Confessional Rite of the Three Treasures, Venerable Sovereign, Scroll Twelve, Part Two · Twenty-Fourth Counsel

Verse

A single, undivided heart is the root; let doubt arise even slightly, and resolve loses its firmness.

The turmoil of countless gates and households comes to disturb me, yet I am like a steadfast rock: how could I be shaken?

Failure to Devote Oneself Fully to the Dao (Section Seventy-One)

The Dao says: the Dao rests in a single thought, and that thought is the root. Even fierce winds and towering waves cannot move a crag that has stood for ages. Let the waves surge back and forth, appearing and disappearing; the stone beneath remains firm, unmoving and unchanged. How still it is!

From antiquity to the present, emperors, kings, and hegemons have risen and fallen; power has passed by abdication or through war, and the cycles of prosperity and decline have been beyond counting. Yet the manifestation of the Great Dao is like sinew and bone: it cannot be worn away or extinguished. Its unbroken current remains steadfast, its sincerity solidified, unwaveringly firm from ancient times to the present. Though circumstances have brought changes, losses, and gains, the original principle, the underlying foundation, still operates within and cannot be altered.

What, then, is this Dao? How can there be talk of being “divided in two or three”? Why do people today fail to understand? Some see this Dao and call it backward; some hear of it and call it remote and impractical. Some even regard it as absurd and dismiss it as empty and insubstantial. They divide their own hearts, then go on to mislead others: slandering the sages and denigrating the worthy, discouraging people from their good aspirations, and leading the crowd away from the Dao in their hearts. How can this be explained? Such grave offenses and transgressions are truly inescapable.

Even the most realized and virtuous people offer worthy words, wise counsel, and sound strategies…

Reading note:

• Venerable Sovereign and Dao Mother are titles of revered Daoist deities; here they are the objects of praise in the penitential text.
• The Three Treasures usually refers to the Dao, the scriptures, and the masters (or the deities, scriptures, and masters). In the penitential text, these are mentioned alongside the merits of “the myriad spirits” and “preserving life and bringing order to the world.”
• Failure to Devote Oneself Fully to the Dao is a category in the penitential text for faults such as having an unsteady heart toward the Dao, falling into doubt, and losing one’s resolve.

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Interpretation

This passage expounds on Daoist repentance rituals and the veneration of Celestial Worthy deities (Tianzun). The essence conveys:

The supreme teachings nourish the human heart like rain reviving withered plants, or like acupuncture reaching the deepest ailments—bringing physical and spiritual refreshment, awakening resolve, and opening blocked minds. The exalted sages and perfected beings (Shangzhen Gaozhen, referring to Daoist deities), moved by compassion for humanity's delusions, descend precious scriptures. Yet people remain distracted, unable to focus devoutly. Thus, Daoist practitioners must sincerely repent transgressions, reverently honor the Celestial Worthies, and avoid any irreverence.

The text then enumerates over twenty Tianzun honorific titles, such as "Celestial Worthy of Great Compassion, Supreme Unmanifest Limitless Primordial Chaos, Savior of Kalpic Cycles" and "Celestial Worthy of Great Compassion, Primordial Chaos and Non-Action." These epithets frequently feature terms like "Great Compassion" (Dabei), "steadfast" (Zhen), "ancient" (Gu), "primordial" (Yuan), and "ultimate" (Ji), emphasizing the deities' mercy, eternity, cosmic origins, and supreme nature. "Great Compassion" signifies salvific grace, "steadfast" denotes unwavering purity, while "ancient," "primordial," and "ultimate" symbolize the inception of the cosmos and the source of the Dao.

These Tianzun appellations embody Daoism's faith in universal supreme truth—that through earnest repentance and veneration, one may dissolve karmic obstructions and return to the Dao.

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Interpretation

This scripture enumerates a series of sacred titles of Daoist Celestial Worthies (the highest divine beings in Daoism), each embodying distinct divine attributes and functions. Most titles begin with "Great Compassion" (Dabei), emphasizing the deities' merciful nature in aiding sentient beings, while the subsequent epithets reveal their unique characteristics:

For instance, "Celestial Worthy Who Returns to the Cosmic Ultimate" represents the supreme state of returning to the primordial source of the universe. The "Celestial Worthy Who Reestablishes the Ancient Ways of Governance, Livelihood, and Self-Cultivation" symbolizes the power to restore the pristine simplicity of antiquity. The "Celestial Worthy of Thunderous Resonance" possesses the might to subdue malevolent forces, while the "Celestial Worthy Who Reconnects Ancient and Present Karmic Ties" can bridge temporal divides. The "Celestial Worthy of Non-Polarized Simplicity" manifests the Dao's essence of utmost simplicity, whereas "Primordial Mother Celestial Worthy" and "Ancient Mother of Supreme Primordiality" contain the creative power of the cosmic mother.

Recurring core concepts in these sacred titles include: the primordial origin (Yuan, Beginning, Simplicity), cosmic movement (Operation, Rotation, Flow), luminous righteousness (Brightness, Radiance, Purity), fundamental stability (Root, Foundation, Firmness), and compassionate salvation (Great Compassion, Beneficent Harmony). Through reciting these sacred names, practitioners can resonate with different Celestial Worthies' qualities, receiving corresponding protection and enlightenment.

These divine titles constitute a complete cosmological framework and cultivation system, ranging from creation's origin (Supreme Chaos and Primordial Simplicity) to practical functions (Beneficent Harmony and Utility), demonstrating the Daoist concept of "One Qi transforming into the Three Pure Ones" (Sanqing). Each sacred name functions like a key, corresponding to different spiritual realms practitioners need to unlock during their cultivation journey.

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Interpretation

The following is a plain-language explanation of this passage of divine titles in the Repentance Liturgy of the Three Treasures and Ten Thousand Spirits. In the original, the titles are recited in sequence within the repentance text. Each begins with “Great Compassion” and ends with “Celestial Worthy.” Taken as a whole, they express how compassionate protection is carried out in such spheres as Heaven’s mandate, farming, inner cultivation, governance, Thunder methods, and religious teachings.

Great Compassion, Moving with Heaven’s Mandate, Sharing Heaven’s Duties, Harmonizing Deeds with Principle, and Uniting Virtue with the Dao, Celestial Worthy

Greatly compassionate and merciful, accompanying Heaven’s mandate and sharing its duties, acting in accord with heavenly principle, and uniting Virtue with the Dao.

Great Compassion, Rain upon the Multitudes, Celestial Worthy

Greatly compassionate and merciful, like sweet rain falling everywhere and nourishing the people.

Great Compassion, Moistening the Grain and Sustaining the Soil, Celestial Worthy

Greatly compassionate and merciful, nourishing the seedlings and protecting the fields.

Great Compassion, Preserving the Origin and Reviving the Seedlings, Celestial Worthy

Greatly compassionate and merciful, preserving the root of vital energy and reviving withered seedlings.

Great Compassion, Warming the Fields and Sustaining the Cauldron, Celestial Worthy

Greatly compassionate and merciful, nurturing the fields with warmth and protecting the cauldron and furnace, symbols of the foundations of cultivation and livelihood.

Great Compassion, Completing the Elixir and Perfecting the Person, Celestial Worthy

Greatly compassionate and merciful, helping the Elixir Way reach completion and bringing body and spirit to fullness.

Great Compassion, Keeping the Fields True, Celestial Worthy

Greatly compassionate and merciful, keeping the fields upright and sound, free from corruption and depletion.

Great Compassion, Strengthening the Fields, Celestial Worthy

Greatly compassionate and merciful, securing the farmland and preserving the strength of the soil.

Great Compassion, Honoring the Origin, Celestial Worthy

Greatly compassionate and merciful, honoring and preserving the Origin, strengthening the root and nurturing the source.

Great Compassion, Honoring Metal, Celestial Worthy

Greatly compassionate and merciful, upholding the Virtue of Metal and balancing firmness with gentleness.

Great Compassion, Honoring the State, Celestial Worthy

Greatly compassionate and merciful, practicing the way of governing the state and protecting the realm.

Great Compassion, Honoring What Endures, Celestial Worthy

Greatly compassionate and merciful, upholding what lasts and continues without end.

Great Compassion, Restoring Heaven, Celestial Worthy

Greatly compassionate and merciful, restoring the Way of Heaven and setting the heavenly order right again.

Great Compassion, Restoring Righteousness and Greatness, Overcoming Evil, Celestial Worthy

Greatly compassionate and merciful, restoring what is upright and great, and overcoming what is crooked and deviant.

Great Compassion, Preserving Heaven and Uprighting the Will, Celestial Worthy

Greatly compassionate and merciful, preserving the heart of Heaven and keeping one’s resolve upright.

Great Compassion, Perfecting and Strengthening the Great One, Celestial Worthy

Greatly compassionate and merciful, bringing the Great One, the root of the cosmos, to fullness and firmness.

Great Compassion, Perfected One of Great Simplicity, Celestial Worthy

Greatly compassionate and merciful, manifesting as the Perfected One of Great Simplicity, a Daoist title, and displaying the virtue of heavenly authenticity.

Great Compassion, True Lord of Simple Virtue, Celestial Worthy

Greatly compassionate and merciful, embodying the virtue of simplicity and receiving the protection of the True Lord.

Great Compassion, Great Truth and Utmost Mystery, Celestial Worthy

Greatly compassionate and merciful, embodying great truth and utmost mystery, beyond all addition.

Great Compassion, Upholding the Orthodox One Virtue, Celestial Worthy

Greatly compassionate and merciful, spreading the orthodox Way and remaining constant in a single Virtue.

Great Compassion, Profound Purpose, Celestial Worthy

Greatly compassionate and merciful, whose purpose is profound and cannot be lightly fathomed.

Great Compassion, Mysterious Secrets Difficult to Comprehend, Celestial Worthy

Greatly compassionate and merciful, whose secret teachings are so subtle and mysterious that ordinary understanding cannot fully grasp them.

Great Compassion, Turning the Gaze Within the Body, Celestial Worthy

Greatly compassionate and merciful, teaching people to look inward and turn the light of awareness back upon themselves.

Great Compassion, Steadfast Awakening and Great Perfection, Celestial Worthy

Greatly compassionate and merciful, abiding in steadfast awakening and attaining perfect completion.

Great Compassion, Steadfast Resolve and Spirit Gathered into Unity, Celestial Worthy

Greatly compassionate and merciful, holding firm to one’s resolve and gathering the spirit into unity.

Great Compassion, Preserving Awareness and Sustaining the Field, Celestial Worthy

Greatly compassionate and merciful, keeping the mind present and its thoughts upright, and sustaining the field of the heart, which also evokes farmland.

Great Compassion, Warming the Will and Bringing Clear Harmony, Celestial Worthy

Greatly compassionate and merciful, nurturing the will and fostering clear harmony without contention.

Great Compassion, Extending Life and Completing Blessings, Celestial Worthy

Greatly compassionate and merciful, extending life, securing blessings, and bringing one’s allotted fortune to fullness.

Great Compassion, One Way and One Manner from High Antiquity, Celestial Worthy

Greatly compassionate and merciful, sharing the Way and manner of high antiquity, passed down through an unbroken line.

Great Compassion, Uniting Customs and Harmonizing the People, Celestial Worthy

Greatly compassionate and merciful, transforming customs and bringing people into harmony and mutual affection.

Great Compassion, Perfecting Great Harmony, Celestial Worthy

Greatly compassionate and merciful, bringing Great Harmony to completion so that all things flourish.

Great Compassion, Preserving the Origin and the Elemental, Celestial Worthy

Greatly compassionate and merciful, protecting the primordial Qi and the foundations of the Five Phases (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water).

Great Compassion, Strengthening the Sovereign Origin, Celestial Worthy

Greatly compassionate and merciful, strengthening the imperial center’s primordial Qi and securing the foundations of the state.

Great Compassion, Restoring the Imperial Way of High Antiquity and Completing the Transformations of the Great One, Celestial Worthy

Greatly compassionate and merciful, restoring the imperial Way of high antiquity and bringing the transformations of the Great One fully into effect.

Great Compassion, Whose Virtue of Metal Is Constrained Yet Who Preserves the Dao, Celestial Worthy

Greatly compassionate and merciful, preserving the Dao without loss even when the Virtue of Metal is restrained.

Great Compassion, Returning to the Root and Joining with Antiquity, Celestial Worthy

Greatly compassionate and merciful, returning to the source and conforming to the ways of antiquity.

Great Compassion, Uprighting the Heart and Harmonizing Customs, Celestial Worthy

Greatly compassionate and merciful, setting people’s hearts right and bringing harmony to popular customs.

Great Compassion, Awaiting on the Left, Celestial Worthy

Greatly compassionate and merciful, occupying a position of assistance, serving with reverence and offering protection.

Great Compassion, Assisting Governance and Upholding the Teachings of the Sages of Old, Celestial Worthy

Greatly compassionate and merciful, supporting the work of government and upholding the teachings passed down from the sages of antiquity.

Great Compassion, Attending at the Ruler’s Sides and Personally Instructing, Celestial Worthy

Greatly compassionate and merciful, attending nearby at the ruler’s sides and instructing all beings.

Great Compassion, Great Resolve of the People of Old, Celestial Worthy

Greatly compassionate and merciful, helping the people of antiquity hold to their great resolve and preserve their original heart.

Great Compassion, Reverent in Oneself and Devoted in Submission, Celestial Worthy

Greatly compassionate and merciful, teaching people to maintain reverence within themselves and submit with sincerity.

Great Compassion, Even Without Hearing, One Fears the Thunder; with the Will of Thunder, One Transforms the Elixir, Celestial Worthy

Greatly compassionate and merciful, retaining reverence even without hearing the thunder, and using the will of Thunder to transform the Elixir, refine one’s nature, and attain the authentic.

Great Compassion, Manifesting as a Sage and Proclaiming Thunder’s Instruction, Celestial Worthy

Greatly compassionate and merciful, manifesting as a sage, proclaiming transformation through Thunder, and using Thunder methods to instruct and admonish.

Great Compassion, Manifesting in the Thunder Court and Broadly Transforming, Celestial Worthy

Greatly compassionate and merciful, manifesting through the Thunder Court and extending its transformative teaching far and wide.

Great Compassion, Expounding the Thunder Methods, Celestial Worthy

Greatly compassionate and merciful, putting Thunder methods into practice to dispel evil and awaken the deluded.

Great Compassion, Expounding the Law and Correcting the Teachings, Celestial Worthy

Greatly compassionate and merciful, proclaiming the orthodox law and setting religious instruction on the right course.

Great Compassion, Great Expounder and Lord of the Law, Celestial Worthy

Greatly compassionate and merciful, the exalted Lord of the Law who presides over the proclamation of the teachings.

These titles in repentance liturgies often build meaning through repeated and layered phrases, combining images of protecting the people and their harvests, governing the state, Neidan, Thunder methods, and religious teachings. When reciting them, the emphasis is on reverent invocation; there is no need to establish a literal meaning for every character. To compare them with the surrounding liturgical procedures, consult the “Entering the Repentance” and “Exiting the Repentance” sections elsewhere in the volume.

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Interpretation

Since ancient times, the supreme sacred titles have been profoundly enigmatic. The deeper one delves into their meaning, the more unfathomable they become. These divine existences seem as distant as antiquity yet as close as the present moment—they manifest in myriad forms while maintaining their original purity.

We disciples often wander in spiritual distraction, failing to concentrate on cultivation. Though truth lies within our grasp, we seek it externally, complicating what was originally simple and unadorned, thereby transgressing celestial laws. The fault lies within ourselves. Now we pray for the sages' forgiveness, that we may rectify our errors and ultimately realize the wondrous state, verifying the fruits of our practice.

The gatha says:

Success in cultivation demands single-minded devotion—

Never mistake the first step for the journey's end.

Like gold requiring repeated refinement,

Or jade needing meticulous carving.

Be not confused by others' words,

But walk steadfastly on your chosen path.

Maintain constancy in your original aspiration,

And divine guidance shall naturally follow.

The eulogy proclaims:

The Dao of Heaven never fails humanity—

Only constancy without deviation is required.

The Great Dao knows no right or wrong,

Shining impartially like moon and stars.

Though thunderclaps shake heaven and earth,

The wise remain unmoved in meditation.

With clear conscience and steadfast will,

Firm as towering mountain cliffs—

Even facing numerous trials,

Fear not the vast celestial net.

Though its meshes seem wide,

The wavering-hearted cannot escape.

Never lightly shift your resolve,

Nor slander the Orthodox Path.

Precious Declarations of the Celestial Ones:

We reverently bow to the infinite heavens of the ten directions and three realms.

These sacred beings first manifested from the Primordial Sovereign (the supreme Daoist deity),

Attaining Dao-realization through great merit.

Most holy and divine,

They appear in countless forms to save sentient beings.

This is Heaven's grace,

Yet also the innate spirituality of all creatures.

Their salvific merits

Truly surpass verbal description.

We beseech the compassionate Celestial Sovereigns

To deliver us from calamity and protect all beings.

Precious Declarations of Ten Thousand Blessings:

We reverently bow to this venerable deity.

Favored by the Jade Palace (celestial court),

His blessings permeate the human realm.

Among celestial immortals he dwells,

With boundless compassion relieving suffering.

Awakening virtuous hearts in all,

Spreading benevolence to uplift the fallen.

Promoting universal blessings means promoting celestial blessings—

Safeguarding beings as safeguarding oneself,

That all may receive divine grace.

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Interpretation

This scripture primarily elucidates how practitioners of the Dao should maintain their original mind and avoid reckless action, ultimately achieving unity with the Dao.

The text begins by extolling the virtues of the "Jade Scripture-Initiating, Golden Tower, Ten Thousand Blessings, Body-Protecting True Lord" (a revered Daoist deity), praising his ability to manifest countless forms to aid and deliver sentient beings. It then uses poetic verses to convey its central message: during quiet cultivation, maintaining pure mental focus is most challenging. One must not be disturbed by external influences that shake one’s foundation but should return to the most primal and simple state, aligning with nature to attain the realm of Wuwei (non-action).

The scripture points out that the human mind is prone to generating delusions. When faced with the world’s complexities, stillness leads to Wuwei, while reckless action gives rise to illusions. Cultivating the Dao requires mastery of the mind, discerning truth from falsehood, observing the myriad phenomena of the world without being swayed by them. It emphasizes the profound state of "the Universal Assembly of the Heavens" (a celestial gathering of deities), yet one must still guard against the disturbance of delusions and use the mind as the pivot to return to the original essence.

Regarding the profound principles of nature (Xing) and life (Ming), as well as self-cultivation, the scripture states that within them, truth and illusion intertwine, endlessly transforming. Only by achieving a state of no-mind and no-thought can action align with the supreme Dao. It criticizes ordinary people whose rash actions invite calamity, while the actions of sages harmonize with the ancient Dao. Though time cycles between past and present, the Dao-mind remains constant. True transmission lies in the esoteric teachings of the heart-mind, not in written scriptures. Practitioners must cultivate inner completeness and avoid reckless action that strays from the great Dao.

Finally, it admonishes cultivators: every thought and action must follow the principles of heaven’s way, with the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors (ancient sage-kings) as our foundation. The simple purity of antiquity actually resides within our hearts. Do not assume that solitude grants license for indulgence—know that when "the cavern gate swings wide," all secrets are revealed. One must always uphold the true path.

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Interpretation

A Plain-Language Interpretation

Guarding One’s Conduct and Acting with Caution

You should keep strict watch over yourself, as if strengthening a tall fence so that no one can secretly peer in or look down from above. Always act as though someone might see or hear you; only then should you proceed. Do not act recklessly. And what of going out to meet guests, then having the common people bear the burden of performing the sacrifices? The Book of Changes says: “When goods are stored carelessly, they invite thieves; when one dresses with excessive allure, one invites lustful misconduct.” The precepts are meant to correct such improper conduct. Above all, they guard against reckless action.

Ritual Repentance and Invocation

Now, in the presence of the lofty heavens, we feel an even deeper awe. As though reciting and gazing upward, we respectfully perform the rites, direct our thoughts, and reverently invoke:

• Greatly Compassionate, Supreme, Empty Sovereign, Boundless Primordial Heavenly Emperor, Celestial Worthy Who Delivers All Through the Kalpas (the Heavenly Emperor who is greatly compassionate, supreme, empty and sovereign, boundlessly primordial, and delivers all through the kalpas)
• Greatly Compassionate Celestial Worthy of Divine Spirit and Vast Stillness
• Greatly Compassionate Celestial Worthy Who Gazes into the Netherworld as Though Seeing Clearly
• Greatly Compassionate Celestial Worthy of Distant Tranquility and Divine Countenance
• Greatly Compassionate Celestial Worthy of Deep Stillness
• Greatly Compassionate Celestial Worthy of Vast Illumination
• Greatly Compassionate Celestial Worthy Who Shines Through Past and Present
• Greatly Compassionate Celestial Worthy of Sagely Wisdom and Great Awakening
• Greatly Compassionate Celestial Worthy of Deep Clarity and Great Illumination
• Greatly Compassionate Celestial Worthy of the Ancient Dao
• Greatly Compassionate Celestial Worthy of the Great Origin
• Greatly Compassionate Celestial Worthy of Radiant Awakening
• Greatly Compassionate Celestial Worthy of Right Wisdom in the Eight Directions
• Greatly Compassionate Celestial Worthy Who Responds to the Dao in Every Direction through Wuwei (non-action)
• Greatly Compassionate Celestial Worthy Who Shelters and Transforms
• Greatly Compassionate Celestial Worthy Who Bestows the Blessing of Protection
• Greatly Compassionate Celestial Worthy of Vast Protection
• Greatly Compassionate Celestial Worthy Whose Great Blessing Brings Prosperity and Spreads as Customs
• Greatly Compassionate Celestial Worthy of Ancient Ways and Eight Customs
• Greatly Compassionate Celestial Worthy of the Highest Customs
• Greatly Compassionate Celestial Worthy Who Rises Above and Distances Himself from Customs
• Greatly Compassionate Celestial Worthy Who Rises High Above the Customs in Profound Harmony
• Greatly Compassionate Celestial Worthy Who Rises Above and Far Beyond, Revered as Ancient
• Greatly Compassionate Celestial Worthy of Majestic Sovereignty
• Greatly Compassionate Celestial Worthy of Supreme Tranquility and Distant Sovereignty
• Greatly Compassionate Celestial Worthy of Filial Reverence, Vastness, and Wuwei (non-action)
• Greatly Compassionate Celestial Worthy Who Sets Transformation in Motion
• Greatly Compassionate Celestial Worthy of Far-Reaching Light and Foremost Awakening
• Greatly Compassionate Celestial Worthy of the Great Sovereign Without Form
• Greatly Compassionate Celestial Worthy of the Great Void
• Greatly Compassionate Celestial Worthy of the Great Beginning, Returning to Nonbeing
• Greatly Compassionate Celestial Worthy of the Utmost Beginning, the Primordial Womb, and the Root of Nonbeing
• Greatly Compassionate Celestial Worthy of the Original Birth at the Beginning
• Greatly Compassionate Celestial Worthy of the Heavenly Sovereign’s Undifferentiated Form
• Greatly Compassionate Celestial Worthy of the Heavenly Sovereign, Who Transmits the Lineage with Power
• Greatly Compassionate Celestial Worthy of the Single Lineage of the Heavenly Sovereign
• Greatly Compassionate Celestial Worthy of the Heavenly Sovereign’s Great, Vast, Single Resolve
• Greatly Compassionate Celestial Worthy of the Heavenly Sovereign’s Upright De (Virtue/Power)
• Greatly Compassionate Celestial Worthy of the Heavenly Sovereign’s Flourishing Lineage
• Greatly Compassionate Celestial Worthy of the Heavenly Sovereign’s Upright Beginning
• Greatly Compassionate Celestial Worthy of the Renewed Sovereign
• Greatly Compassionate Celestial Worthy Who Returns to Sovereignty and Extends the Ultimate
• Greatly Compassionate Celestial Worthy Who Rouses the Sovereign

(All the titles above are the Greatly Compassionate Celestial Worthies invoked and reverently named in sequence for their aid during the repentance liturgy.)

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Interpretation

This scripture enumerates the sacred titles of multiple Celestial Worthy (Tianzun) figures in Daoism, each presiding over distinct domains of cosmic function. Celestial Worthy represents the highest honorific for supreme deities in Daoism, with every title embodying specific divine responsibilities and protective powers.

The text first introduces the "Great Compassion" series of Celestial Worthies, indicating these deities all embody the quality of merciful salvation. "Guiding and Uplifting" refers to leading sentient beings, while "Imperial Dao" represents supreme cosmic principles. The "Earthly Sovereign" series governs terrestrial operations and natural laws, with "Virtue of the Earth" (Kunde) signifying the moral character of the earthly realm. The "Human Sovereign" series oversees worldly affairs including longevity, agricultural production, and cultural enlightenment through writing.

The middle section features titles like "Manifestation of Avian Signs" and "Manifestation of Cloud Portents," symbolizing the observation of natural phenomena to comprehend the Dao. Deities like "Governor of Abundant Harvests" and "Steward of Universal Fields" preside over agricultural activities, while "Harmonizer of Yin-Yang" maintains cosmic balance, and "Nurturer of Alchemical Attainment" relates to Neidan (internal alchemy) cultivation.

The concluding section presents Celestial Worthies such as "Illuminating Governance" and "Rectifier of Forms," embodying principles of statecraft. "Revealer of Righteous Law" and "Manifestor of Cosmic Statutes" oversee legal frameworks, "Clarifier of Military Strategy" governs martial affairs, and "Illuminator of Ancestral Rites" presides over ceremonial worship. Together, these sacred titles construct a comprehensive celestial system encompassing nature, human civilization, and spiritual cultivation.

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Interpretation

The following is a modern plain-language explanation of this passage of honorific titles for the Celestial Worthies in the Repentance Liturgy of the Three Treasures and Ten Thousand Spirits (Sanbao Wanling Fachan). The titles themselves are mostly retained in their original form, with brief explanations in parentheses.

Celestial Worthy of Great Compassion, Manifesting the Army’s Might (a Celestial Worthy whose great compassion shines through the ranks of the army and protects the Dharma body)

Celestial Worthy of Great Compassion, Manifesting the Teaching (a Celestial Worthy whose great compassion makes the teaching manifest)

Celestial Worthy of Great Compassion, Manifesting the Dharma Teaching (a Celestial Worthy whose great compassion makes the Dharma methods and instruction manifest)

Celestial Worthy of Great Compassion, Manifesting the Great Dharma Teaching (a Celestial Worthy whose great compassion makes the vast Dharma methods and instruction manifest)

Celestial Worthy of Great Compassion, Manifesting the Law of Punishment (a Celestial Worthy whose great compassion makes manifest the punishment of evil and the enforcement of discipline)

Celestial Worthy of Great Compassion, Proclaiming the Teaching and Transmitting the Dharma (a Celestial Worthy whose great compassion spreads the teaching and carries on its lineage)

Celestial Worthy of Great Compassion, Punishing Evil and Dispelling Treachery (a Celestial Worthy whose great compassion destroys malign spirits and drives away treachery and evil)

Celestial Worthy of Great Compassion, Transmitting the Ancestral Way of Medicine (a Celestial Worthy whose great compassion carries on the Way of medicine and is revered as an ancestor of healing)

Celestial Worthy of Great Compassion, Receiving the Ancestral Talismanic Writ (a Celestial Worthy whose great compassion receives heavenly commands in talismanic writs and is revered as an ancestor of such celestial mandates)

Celestial Worthy of Great Compassion, Expounding the Governance of the State (a Celestial Worthy whose great compassion explains the principles of governing the state)

Celestial Worthy of Great Compassion, Transmitting and Revealing Yin-Yang (a Celestial Worthy whose great compassion transmits and reveals the principles of Yin-Yang)

Celestial Worthy of Great Compassion, Observing Plants and Discerning the Seasons (a Celestial Worthy whose great compassion observes plants and discerns the seasons)

Celestial Worthy of Great Compassion, Observing Plants, Detecting Treachery, and Establishing the Law of Rectification (a Celestial Worthy whose great compassion, by observing plants and discerning hidden signs, finds the means to root out treachery and uphold the law)

Celestial Worthy of Great Compassion, Awakening to the Right Way (a Celestial Worthy whose great compassion awakens to the right Way)

Celestial Worthy of Great Compassion, Awakening to the Calendar and Setting the Order Aright (a Celestial Worthy whose great compassion understands calendrical cycles and puts the governing order in its proper place)

Celestial Worthy of Great Compassion, Observing Heaven (a Celestial Worthy whose great compassion perceives the Way of Heaven)

Celestial Worthy of Great Compassion, Observing the Four Quarters, Understanding the Five Lands, and Upholding the Right Way (a Celestial Worthy whose great compassion surveys the four directions, understands the lands of the five regions, and protects the right Way; “Five Lands” refers to the soil and virtue of the nine provinces throughout the realm)

Celestial Worthy of Great Compassion, Revering Human Relations (a Celestial Worthy whose great compassion honors and observes human relationships)

Celestial Worthy of Great Compassion, Revering the Seasons (a Celestial Worthy whose great compassion reverently observes the course of time)

Celestial Worthy of Great Compassion, Reverently Observing Human Effort and Aiding Governance (a Celestial Worthy whose great compassion reverently observes human effort and assists in governance)

Celestial Worthy of Great Compassion, Greatly Governing the Primordial Wilderness (a Celestial Worthy whose great compassion brings extensive governance to the primordial age)

Celestial Worthy of Great Compassion, Governing the Wilds (a Celestial Worthy whose great compassion brings order to the affairs of the wilderness)

Celestial Worthy of Great Compassion, Governing the Wilds and Transforming Wilderness into Order (a Celestial Worthy whose great compassion governs the wilderness and transforms it into an ordered realm)

Celestial Worthy of Great Compassion, Promoting Cultivation and Fulfilling Great Agricultural Endeavors (a Celestial Worthy whose great compassion promotes farming and brings great agricultural works to completion)

Celestial Worthy of Great Compassion, Dispelling Demons and Rectifying Human Relations (a Celestial Worthy whose great compassion dispels demonic obstacles and sets human relations aright)

Celestial Worthy of Great Compassion, Keeping Evil at a Distance (a Celestial Worthy whose great compassion keeps the evil Way far away)

Celestial Worthy of Great Compassion, Slaying Evil and Bringing Peace to All Things (a Celestial Worthy whose great compassion destroys malign spirits and brings peace to all things)

Celestial Worthy of Great Compassion, Supporting the Sun (a Celestial Worthy whose great compassion aids the Sun’s virtue, like supporting the Sun as it rises in the east)

Celestial Worthy of Great Compassion, the Rising Sun (a Celestial Worthy whose great compassion is like the morning Sun)

Celestial Worthy of Great Compassion, Transforming the Body and the Five Aggregates (a Celestial Worthy whose great compassion manifests the Dharma body and transforms the Five Aggregates; “Five Aggregates” refers to the constituents of body and mind)

Celestial Worthy of Great Compassion, Entrusting the Yin to Bring Order (a Celestial Worthy whose great compassion brings order by entrusting matters to the Yin and thereby accomplishes governance)

Celestial Worthy of Great Compassion, Greatly Destroying the Four Calamities and Accomplishing Right Virtue (a Celestial Worthy whose great compassion undertakes the great task of destroying the Four Calamities and thereby accomplishes right virtue)

Celestial Worthy of Great Compassion, Aiding Filial Piety (a Celestial Worthy whose great compassion supports the way of filial piety)

Celestial Worthy of Great Compassion, Rectifying and Supporting Great Filial Piety (a Celestial Worthy whose great compassion sets the highest filial piety aright and supports it)

Celestial Worthy of Great Compassion, Rectifying and Supporting the Transformation through Filial Piety (a Celestial Worthy whose great compassion sets filial piety aright and supports its transformative influence)

Celestial Worthy of Great Compassion, Spreading Transformation (a Celestial Worthy whose great compassion spreads transformative nurture)

Celestial Worthy of Great Compassion, Governing the Waves (a Celestial Worthy whose great compassion governs the waves and calms floods)

Celestial Worthy of Great Compassion, Broadly Instructing the Winds and All Things (a Celestial Worthy whose great compassion broadly instructs the forces of nature and all things)

Celestial Worthy of Great Compassion, Aiding the Transformation That Removes Harm from the Waves (a Celestial Worthy whose great compassion assists in transforming and removing the harm caused by waves)

Celestial Worthy of Great Compassion, Greatly Aiding the Relief of Floods (a Celestial Worthy whose great compassion powerfully assists in ending flood disasters)

Celestial Worthy of Great Compassion, Greatly Aiding the Relief of Floods, Destroying Harmful Birds, and Bringing Beauty to Completion (a Celestial Worthy whose great compassion assists during floods, destroying harmful birds and bringing goodness and beauty to completion)

Celestial Worthy of Great Compassion, Burning Harmful Birds to Aid the Way (a Celestial Worthy whose great compassion burns harmful birds to assist the practice of the Way)

Celestial Worthy of Great Compassion, Accomplishing Great Humaneness and Goodness (a Celestial Worthy whose great compassion brings to completion the highest human relationships and virtues)

Celestial Worthy of Great Compassion, Governing, Nurturing, and Sustaining All Things (a Celestial Worthy whose great compassion governs, nurtures, and sustains all things)

Celestial Worthy of Great Compassion, Vastly Transforming and Universally Instructing (a Celestial Worthy whose great compassion brings about vast transformation and instruction for all)

Celestial Worthy of Great Compassion, Eminent in Antiquity (a Celestial Worthy whose great compassion is exalted in the distant past)

Celestial Worthy of Great Compassion, Devoted to Antiquity (a Celestial Worthy whose great compassion reveres the ancient Way; “devoted” here carries the sense of single-minded reverence)

Celestial Worthy of Great Compassion, Through Whom the Supreme Emperor Transmitted the Mandate to Ku (a Celestial Worthy whose great compassion received the Supreme Emperor’s mandate for Emperor Ku, an ancient ruler)

Celestial Worthy of Great Compassion, Through Whom the Emperor Transmitted Civil Culture and Righteous Principles (a Celestial Worthy whose great compassion spread civil governance and the principles of righteousness through the emperor)

Celestial Worthy of Great Compassion, Entrusted by Imperial Command with the Essentials of Flavor (a Celestial Worthy whose great compassion received an emperor’s command and was entrusted with the essentials of taste)

Celestial Worthy of Great Compassion, Rousing the Moral Influence of the Winds, Widely Nurturing and Transforming, Accomplishing Great Goodness, Manifesting the Highest Virtue, and Magnifying Sagely Virtue (a Celestial Worthy whose great compassion rouses moral influence, widely nurtures and transforms, accomplishes great goodness, manifests the highest virtue, and magnifies sagely virtue)

All these honorific titles are names of Celestial Worthies recited in the repentance liturgy. In each phrase, “Great Compassion” is generally understood to mean that the Celestial Worthy practices the virtue named with great compassion. To compare them with the sequence of liturgical rites or the order of visualizations, consult the complete text of the repentance liturgy and the annotations transmitted by its masters.

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Interpretation

This scripture enumerates the sacred titles and virtues of multiple "Great Compassion Celestial Worthies" (Dabei Tianzun) in Daoism. Each title bearing the prefix "Great Compassion" signifies their merciful nature dedicated to universal salvation, with distinct divine functions reflected in their epithets:

For instance, "Great Compassion Universal King of Grand Transformation Celestial Worthy" (Dabei Puwang Dahua Tianzun) refers to the deity who universally delivers sentient beings and instructs all creation; "Great Compassion Expeller of Deceit Celestial Worthy" (Dabei Qujian Tianzun) and "Great Compassion Vanquisher of Great Evil Celestial Worthy" (Dabei Qudaxie Tianzun) specialize in eliminating malevolent forces; "Great Compassion Majestic Culture Celestial Worthy" (Dabei Weiwen Tianzun) presides over literary education; while "Great Compassion Supreme Sage Who Assists the Three Teachings Celestial Worthy" (Dabei Sanjiao Dasheng Fuzuo Tianzun) supports the Confucian, Buddhist, and Daoist traditions.

The latter section reveals these Celestial Worthies manifested diversely in antiquity: some concealed their identities in remote antiquity, others appeared as monarchs or ministers, while some incarnated as common laborers—farmers, butchers, or fishermen. Certain manifestations took the form of poets, tavern keepers, or market-dwelling women. Whether dwelling in wilderness seclusion or imperial courts, all maintained noble integrity while instructing humanity through varied means.

These sacred titles endure today to acquaint later generations with their meritorious deeds. The text particularly emphasizes that whether ancient imperial consorts or humble maidservants, all who uphold righteous intent and diligent practice may receive these Celestial Worthies' protection.

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Interpretation

This scripture expounds the fundamental principles that Daoist practitioners should follow. It mentions that even esteemed deities like the "Great Minister Assisting the Distant Emperor," though proficient in various divination techniques, would ultimately fail to attain the great Dao (the Way) if they relied solely on external skills without cultivating their inner nature.

The key to Daoist practice lies in maintaining one's original heart-mind. The text emphasizes that "the supreme Dao originates from the heart-mind, the root of all transformations," meaning the most profound Daoist methods all stem from a pure original mind. Just as the sky is naturally clear and unobstructed, if the human heart-mind can maintain this natural state, it can unite with the great Dao. The emergence of selfish thoughts and distractions, however, would damage this innate purity.

The warning "the initial pure intention falters midway" cautions practitioners that when the pristine mental state at the beginning of cultivation becomes disturbed by delusions, it's like dust obscuring a luminous pearl. Only by preserving the "steadfastness of primordial times" in one's original intention, remaining unshaken by external matters, can one receive the protection of "auspicious spirits following."

The concluding section praises the "Three Supreme Venerable Ones of the Formless Celestial Emperor" (the highest Daoist deities), describing the state of accomplishment where "fragrant clouds swirl" and "a bright pearl shines," symbolizing the Daoist fruit of complete internal and external clarity. Practitioners who maintain proper awareness can ultimately achieve "the alchemical work (Neidan) universally benefiting all" and "the Daoist practice flourishing eternally," attaining blessings of peace and favorable natural conditions.

Throughout the scripture, the recurring emphasis is clear: Daoist cultivation doesn't lie in external seeking but in internal reflection; not in reckless action but in preserving authenticity. In modern terms, it reminds people to maintain their original pure intention, reduce selfish distractions, and cultivate sincerity and openness, thereby attaining genuine peace and joy.

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Interpretation

All beings in heaven and earth emanate from the Three Treasures (the Treasure of Dao, the Treasure of Scriptures, and the Treasure of Masters), forming the Three Realms (celestial, human, and terrestrial realms) whose profound mysteries transcend verbal expression. The Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning (supreme deity in Daoism) first transmitted the highest Daoist teachings, disseminating ultimate truths through scriptures and meditative principles. In ancient times, the supreme Treasure of Dao was called "Yuluo," becoming the foundational source of all religious teachings.

The Celestial Worthy of Numinous Treasure (one of the Three Pure Ones) governs the sacred scriptures of the upper realms, establishing doctrines for all beings to follow. The Most High Lord Lao (founder of Daoism) expounded exquisite methods in the White Jade Capital (celestial realm), using various teachings to guide sentient beings and open doors of liberation for the lost. The most profound methods are presided over by the Jade Emperor (ruler of heaven), who commands thunder ministries, plagues, fertility, water and fire—governing all natural forces and human calamities.

The Great Emperor of Purple Tenuity (deity of the North Star) resolves disasters while governing celestial constellations. The Queen of Earthly Mercy (Mother Earth) embraces all creation, nurturing living beings. Today we rely on the compassion of these celestial worthies to absolve human transgressions and avert catastrophes. The Great Emperor of Longevity (foremost of the Nine Luminaries) commands all deities, while the Celestial Worthy of Universal Salvation (deity who responds to cries of suffering) perceives worldly anguish and delivers departed souls.

The Thunderclap-Responding Celestial Worthy (supreme thunder deity) governs lightning, while the Purple Palace Patriarch (Sovereign of Emptiness) and the True Lord of Inspection oversee human affairs. The Nine Luminaries rectify human faults yet also grant absolution and peace. The Five Elders of the Directions (Green Emperor of East, Red Emperor of South, White Emperor of West, Black Emperor of North, and Yellow Emperor of Center) each govern their regions, with the central Yellow Emperor ruling over the Celestial and Earthly Sovereigns to administer all spirits.

This scripture systematically outlines the functions of Daoism's principal deities: the Primordial Beginning transmits the Dao, the Numinous Treasure establishes teachings, Lord Lao expounds methods, the Jade Emperor governs the Three Realms, while other deities maintain cosmic order and deliver sentient beings. Particularly emphasized is the dual role of deities—both overseeing justice and granting absolution—reflecting Daoism's doctrinal balance between "rewarding good and punishing evil" and "compassionate salvation."

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Interpretation

This scripture depicts a grand scene where the Three Great Officials of Daoism (Celestial Official, Earthly Official, and Water Official) along with various celestial deities jointly grant absolution and bestow blessings. The Celestial Official (Tianshang, the Daoist deity governing blessings) serves as the presiding divinity, capable of granting all manner of auspicious fortunes to the mortal realm. The Middle Primordial Earthly Official (Xuyao, the Daoist deity of absolution) administers the pardon of sins within the pure void of his celestial grotto. The Water Official (master of Dongyin Palace) specializes in dispelling calamities, while the Fire Official Chidi (Southern Fire Deity) specifically eliminates disasters like conflagrations.

All celestial beings participate in this great amnesty: the fortune stars from the palaces of the sun and moon descend to the human world, while the Five Phases (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water) and Four Symbols (Great Yin, Great Yang, Lesser Yin, Lesser Yang) all manifest auspicious signs. The parents of the Northern Dipper Lord (Doufu and Doumu) reside in the highest position, as the Northern Dipper (Beizun, leader of the Five Directional Dippers) leads all stars in removing twenty-four categories of misfortunes.

The Southern Dipper Lord (deity governing lifespan) can extend human longevity, while the Eastern Wall Star Officials record the length of lives. The Western Dipper Lord inscribes destinies upon the Western Mound, and the Great Chieftain of the Central Dipper (master of life and death) shines together with the Twenty-Eight Lunar Mansions to bestow blessings and dispel disasters upon humanity.

The Great Emperor of Eastern Peak (Dongdai zhu, foremost of the Five Sacred Mountains) governs human life, death, virtue and vice, recording each person's karmic retribution. The scripture concludes with prayers for divine mercy - after the Eastern King (Dongwang) absolves mortal transgressions, the kings of other directions follow suit in granting pardon. Marshal Tianpeng and the True Lord Yisheng subdue demons and malevolent spirits, their majestic presence awing humanity while helping people escape danger and receive blessings.

This passage exemplifies the Daoist belief system of "Three Officials' Absolution," emphasizing how through divine compassion and pardon, people may obtain blessings of disaster relief, misfortune dispelling, and life extension.

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Interpretation

The Great Emperor Zhenwu of the Upper Province of the Celestial Capital commands the Six Directions and subdues evil spirits. The Lord Wenchang governs spiritual blessings, and the homes of those who sincerely honor their parents are made whole. Ruling the stars and granting official rank, he prolongs life; within the Hall of Laurel Fragrance, the names of sons and grandsons are recorded. At the summit of Immortal Peak, in the Jade Pool, every immortal peach is fresh and plump. The Islet of Langyuan is like an ancient paradise, where the immortals of the heavens rejoice in eternal life. The Great Emperor Donghua governs the registers of immortals, turning all the perfected beings of his celestial ranks in the palm of his hand.

Our immortal master is revered as the Old Patriarch. In the human world, he expounds the teachings and guides all living beings. Those bound by affinity and destiny ascend together, escaping calamity and misfortune and avoiding a fall into the shadowy depths. The Venerable Mother of the Primordial Origin is honored as the Mother Sovereign. She devotes herself to saving ordinary people and preserving them through the cycles of catastrophe. Since ancient times, she has manifested under many names and forms; the source of the Three Teachings all issues from the Mother.

The Supreme Lord of the Great Void is the ancestral progenitor; the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors are the foundation. Pangu, the Primordial Origin, dwelt in the age before history, transforming into gods and emperors and giving rise to rulers and ministers. Loyal ministers and filial children, steadfast and sincere, have left their names throughout court and countryside. Whether manifest or hidden, they are remembered by their titles, and their merits in guiding people through calamities and overcoming disasters are immeasurable. Their countless manifestations bring benefit and fulfillment, raising both the living and the dead toward greater heights. Their many blessings and achievements cannot be fully recounted; the highest vehicle lies beyond thought and discussion.

We ordinary people repent for our immeasurable sins and transgressions. Forgive us for grievances and entanglements as deep as a river; break open the many layers of shackles in hell and free us from the wheel of the Six Paths of rebirth. May the Four Births and Five Sufferings all be extinguished, as we ascend to the Celestial Capital and reach Jade Capital.

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Interpretation

Plain-language Interpretation

(Closing Benediction)

The whole court receives the grace of the holy sovereign and is called to peace and prosperity. May the people be blessed with peace and stillness. By strengthening the foundations laid in former lives, one can attain the Great Dao. Rising step by step, one wanders freely and at ease, roaming amid the purple clouds.

(Words of Reverence) With a bowed head, I take refuge in the unsurpassed Void Emperor, the supremely true Three Treasures, the heavens, the sages, and all exalted perfected beings. I pray that sins be forgiven and people delivered.

(Title) The Dharma Repentance for the Inconceivable Merit of the Celestial Worthy; the Three Treasures of the Most High Void Emperor; the Spirits of the Ten Directions and Three Realms; Protecting Life, Ordering the World, Bringing Blessings to the Manifest and Aid to the Hidden, Averting Calamities and Gathering Felicitous Events—Void Emperor, Scroll Twelve, Lower Part, Twenty-Fourth Leaf (complete).

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Another General Verse (Concluding Verses)

What this complete true scripture transmits is a means of cleansing the roots of sin. Do not mistake words of substance for empty sentiment. Whose face do you recognize, and whose heart? You must personally examine and reflect upon yourself.

Within the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha—the Three Treasures of Buddhism—there is a gateway to the “cauldron and vessel” of cultivation. Within the Dao, scripture, and master—the Three Treasures of Daoism—there is also a connection to the Chan tradition. The writings of Fuxi and the teachings of Confucius and Mencius are all gathered here. Study them closely and savor their meaning; do not treat them carelessly or neglect them.

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Another General Eulogy (Concluding Praise)

The music is not the ordinary silk and bamboo of the eight kinds of instruments, nor instruments of hide, wood, metal, stone, or earth. Earth and stone, song and transmitted texts together present the celestial scriptures in grand ceremony. Luan birds sing and phoenixes dance, performing colorful wonders in the divine court; dragons soar and qilin dance, calling out in orderly ranks. These are not the shapes of ordinary birds of the mortal world: such wondrous creatures are indeed unlike the common kind.

Look again at the scene: auspicious clouds appear, neither red nor purple, their mists blending together. The canonical words shine forth renewed, unlike the common incense burned beside a stove. Sacred branches fly in one after another, auspicious mists gather and coil around them, and candlelight shines through, radiant and free of dust. The qi of the Five Demons has vanished. Immortal fruits are offered in fragrant abundance—not vegetables, and with no trace of the ordinary animal stench. Tigers are skinned and precious things opened; the true essence of the sun and moon is gathered. Arranged in joyful display, all become auspicious signs that protect our world.

The vast universe is brought to peace; the myriad families enjoy health and calm, their blessings and longevity increase, and they forever receive the boundless grace.

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Precious Invocation to the Heavens (Invocation to the Heavens)

With wholehearted intention, I bow and take refuge: the immeasurable heavens of the Ten Directions and Three Realms—from their primordial establishment within the Void Emperor, they were brought forth from the Taiji. Through great merit and great practice, they realized the fruit of the Dao and ascended. Supremely holy and divine, they manifest their forms and names to save and deliver. Truly, these are the heavens.

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Interpretation

A Plain-Language Reading of the Repentance Liturgy of the Three Treasures and Ten Thousand Spirits

[Precious Invocation of Ten Thousand Blessings]

The Dharma bestowed by the Celestial Worthy also has its roots in the numinous source and offers boundless salvation. How could words describe it? Greatly compassionate, greatly resolute, greatly holy, greatly benevolent: the true sovereign of the heavens relieves calamities and delivers beings through tribulations—the Celestial Worthy Who Protects with Boundless Blessings.

With focused heart, I take refuge and pay homage. Favored by the Jade Palace, its celebration spreads throughout the earthly realm. In the court’s morning rites, it holds the fourth place in the ranks; auspicious blessings borne by phoenixes extend throughout the vast Dharma realm. Out of compassion, it hears the cries of those in distress and saves them, opening the heart ever wider to benefit and support others. It aids the living and rescues the decayed, extending benevolence and broadening the virtue of compassion. To extend ten thousand blessings is to extend the blessings of the Emperor; to protect all beings is to protect oneself. Everywhere, people receive its grace; everyone carries its blessings. Greatly compassionate, greatly resolute, greatly holy, greatly benevolent: the Jade Scripture opens the teaching, and the True Person of Ten Thousand Blessings, who protects the body in the Golden Palace, transmits the wondrous treasures and divine powers of the myriad perfected ones. Manifesting under this sacred title, the Celestial Worthy responds and transforms.

[Afterword to the Reprinted Essential Collection of the Daoist Canon]

The scripture Repentance Liturgy of the Three Treasures and Ten Thousand Spirits was originally kept in secret within the Daoist Canon and had never circulated among the public. In the fifteenth year of the Kangxi reign (1689), during the year of the Lower Origin, the Lingbao Daoist Wang Shou Shang found this scripture while reading the Canon. It is a true text for governing the state and protecting the world, and a supreme secret for stabilizing Heaven and subduing Earth. Its principles connect the Three Teachings, and it is a source from which the myriad perfected ones reveal their mysteries. Its profundity is difficult to praise fully. Wang therefore gathered virtuous people, who joined together through an extraordinary karmic connection to reprint the ancient text, so that it might be passed down to the world forever.

This repentance liturgy contains a total of 164,138 characters. Its volumes are arranged according to the Earthly Branches, in twenty-four books divided between upper and lower parts. It is further organized according to the twenty-four solar terms into seventy-two pentads, and lists a total of 10,529 sacred names. Now that the Daoist scriptures are being revised, Ren Zhao has continued the work by adding this text, so that it may be printed and circulated.

Written by Chen Yonghe of the Two Immortals Abbey in Chengdu, disciple overseeing the printing, on an upper ten-day period in the first summer month of the twenty-seventh year of the Guangxu reign of the Great Qing (1901), the year of Xinchou.

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